A/N: This chapter is dedicated to anyone who can find it is their hearts to forgive me for being gone so long. I did feel bad about that so I made this chapter extra-long, a roughly 800 words longer than any chapter I have ever written. I added a lot of new stuff to this one! Oh and a heads up, Guy might be a little bit OOC. I tried to make it feasible and explain why he is acting oddly, but he is back to his same youthful self by the end. I have been out of the game for a while so please review and let me know how this chapter was.

I don't even have my own insurance so how could I possibly own Naruto?

School is ridiculously busy this semester so I can't promise when the next chapter will be up, but I promise to do my best.

…

Rie was surrounded by flames; maniacal laughter seemed to come from all directions. She tried to run, but every direction she tried only took her deeper into the labyrinth of flames. Rie was getting burned and began to lose hope of ever getting out. Then out of the flames appeared the one man that would haunt the girl for the rest of her life. Her father stood looming ever her with a vicious snarl on his face. He was just like she remembered him and it chilled Rie to her very core.

"I … I … th… thought … you were dead" she squeaked.

"I will never leave you alone my little curse" he snarled as he grabbed the terrified girl by the back of the neck and thrust her into the heart of the fire.

Rie screamed out in pain causing Kakashi to come running into the room with his kunai raised. He lowered it when he saw Rie thrashing about on the floor. He called out her name as he pulled the blanket off of her, only to see that she was already awake. She whimpered softly as she scooted back against the wall. Seeing how panicked she was he went over to Rie taking her in his arms speaking soothing nothings. As she calmed down she started to sob into his shoulder still quivering in fear.

"Ssh Rie" he soothed. "It was just another nightmare" he said with worry shadowing his words. This was the fifth night in row.

He picked her up and headed down stairs "how about some hot chocolate." She nodded into his shoulder still crying. The tears were not as much of fear now, but shame, guilt, and frustration. She felt shame and frustration over the nightmares and guilt over waking Kakashi every night; neither of them had, had much sleep the last few nights.

Kakashi carried his daughter into the kitchen and put water on the stove before getting two cups out of the cabinet and putting a chocolate mix in them. When the water was hot he turned off the stove and poured the water into the cups and stirred the mix in; all while still holding his daughter against his chest.

It was a ritual they had had ever since Kakashi adopted Rie. Every time she had a nightmare Rie would scream waking both herself and Kakashi, who would burst into her room ready to fend off an attack. It didn't matter how many times it happened, he would always react as if her life were at stake even though after the first week he knew it was most likely a nightmare. He was never willing to risk that there might actually be a threat. After he calmed her down Kakashi would then carry her down stairs where they would have hot chocolate together. Though nights when Rie had a nightmare were stressful and hard on both Hatakes, they appreciated the predictability of how it would play out after they were awakened.

They were both sitting on the couch hot chocolate in hand. "Rie I've been thinking." Kakashi paused. "This is my fault. If I hadn't yelled at you the other day … I know I can't lose my cool, I'm so sorry honey." Kakashi felt guilty even though he had apologized every night since he had yelled at her.

"It's not your fault; I've always had nightmares off and on" Rie assured. "Just because a wave of them started the night you yelled at me doesn't mean it's your fault." Kakashi still looked unsure. "You should go back to bed. I can stay up by myself; it's ok." Rie said knowing that she would never be able to get back to sleep. But Kakashi stayed, just like every other night.

…

By the next morning even Lee knew something was wrong. Team Guy was at the training grounds; all except TenTen who was running late. "I think they are right Rie, something is bothering you" Lee started. "Neji said you got in trouble with your dad but that can't still be bothering you this much." Rie flinched at the word dad picturing her dream. Neji noticed and gave her a funny look. Rie just shook her head at Neji as if to say that it was nothing.

Guy watched the whole exchange with a grim look on his face. He knew something was very wrong with his smallest team member and he was deeply concerned. The problem was he knew that asking her about it wouldn't work. Guy didn't actually think Rie was mute. She didn't speak through gestures and he had heard comments from Kakashi and a few others that were close to her that made it sound like she could talk, but he also knew that she wouldn't.

Guy wasn't as oblivious as he came across. He knew something was really off with the girl and he was afraid if he pushed that she would distance herself even more. It was obvious, well to everyone but Lee, that Rie was hesitant to get close to them. The girl was distant, hated being touched, didn't talk, was overly obedient, and Guy had seen her flinch before now. He knew where these signs pointed and if it was anyone but Kakashi Hatake's daughter he would have already talked to the Hokage about what he had seen.

Kakashi would never hurt her Guy assured himself as he saw TenTen enter the training grounds at a run. She apologized for being late and he started his morning brief. Rie yawned soon after Guy started talking."Rie that's not very youthful" Guy said before continuing what he was saying. Rie yawned twice more during the brief; each time being reprimanded by Guy and also increasing his concern.

Rie and Neji were once again training together. Once it was learned that Rie had a dojutsu Guy started pairing her with Neji on a regular basis during training. They both fought by relying on their dojutsu giving them a similar approach. They had different taijutsu styles, but how they thought about it was closer to each other than anyone else. Guy was also hoping pairing Rie with Neji would help improve her taijutsu. Rie was by far the weakest on the team in combat. She won fights mostly based on her ability to use other's weaknesses against them. She might not have been that good at attacking or even defending, but she used her small size and speed to her advantage and was excellent at dodging, making her a good challenge for Neji.

As the two of them were walking over to the side of the training ground they would be using to train Neji turned to Rie saying "you haven't been sleeping much, have you." It wasn't a question as much as a statement. Rie blushed knowing that she couldn't deny it. Neji observed her a moment before heading to his starting position.

Rie and Neji were in the middle of a sparring match, with both of their eye jutsus activated. "So this is your new team mate" a gruff male voice said seemingly out of nowhere. With her Gyoshi-ho Rie saw Neji tense at the voice. On the outside the only thing that changed was his expression which went from call and stoic to a slight sneer.

"Hiashi what are you doing here" said Guy quickly approaching the group.

"Sorry to interrupt your training Guy. I just had to inform Neji that I will be going on a mission and that he does not need to stop by my study this afternoon" he said not sounding the least bit apologetic.

"Yes sir" Neji said bowing. Rie could see he was still very tense and wondered about the relationship between the two.

Once Hiashi left Neji turned to his small companion "that's my uncle." The words sounded like venom but Neji still held his composure. He then turned to Guy "Rie needs a rest; is that alright?" In truth Rie was completely exhausted, but it still shocked her that Neji had noticed.

Guy gave Rie a funny look "are you feeling alright Rie? You don't seem to have as much energy as normal." Rie nodded, but Guy was unconvinced. "Then I guess its ok" He said smiling to mask his concern.

By this point Rie had a piercing headache; she laid back in the grass looking for some relief. The whole time Rie lay there Neji was throwing fierce punches and kicks still training. After a while Rie noticed and was confused. She couldn't understand why that Hiashi fellow had bothered her friend so much. He was by no means nice, but he wasn't mean either. After puzzling it for a while Rie just chalked it up to a mystery that she might never know the answer to.

Rie waited on Neji to calm down before resuming her training. This time the two of them worked on Kunai skills.

Once Guy dismissed the team Neji again started toward the Hatake house. Kakashi had told him it really wasn't necessary, but he still walked her home every day.

Once at her door Neji turned to Rie "get some sleep tonight. I need a real training session tomorrow" and with that he was gone.

Kakashi came home just before dinner and he looked awful. Again Rie felt a pang of guilt over keeping him up every night. Dinner was mostly quiet that night with both of them exhausted. Kakashi sighed after seeing Rie about to nod off into her dinner for the fourth time that night. "Rie I think it's time we told your Grandpa."

"Kakashi you can't. I'm not weak and I don't want anyone looking down on me" Rie said defensively.

"Do you really think your Grandpa will think any less of you? Besides if it goes any farther it could get dangerous to perform your ninja duties." He saw the look of shame on her face and added "how about we give it one more night and see what happens. They haven't been this bad for a long time. I'm sorry honey but I'm at a loss here" Kakashi said guiltily.

"I guess that's fair, but we can't tell him with his councilors around. Then I'd never go on a real mission" Rie reasoned.

"I'd never think of it. Now let's get to bed" he said yawning as he cleaned the table

…

As Kakashi carried Rie down the stairs that night after another nightmare she sighed "I guess we have to tell Grandpa now" Rie mumbled with her face still in Kakashi's shoulder.

"That's what we agreed on. Do you want marshmallows in your hot chocolate" he asked trying to cheer her up. Rie nodded mutely.

The next morning in the Hokage's office

"Where could Kakashi sensei be" whined Naruto. "And he's going to come in here with some lame excuse."

"I'm worried, this is bad even for Kakashi sensei; what if something happened to him" Sakura questioned.

"He is very capable of taking care of himself. I just wish he would get here; I have other teams to meet with" the Hokage sighed. "Iruka go ahead and bring in the next team" he said after a few minutes with still no Kakashi.

Reluctantly team Guy entered. Guy blushed "I'm sorry to report that we aren't all here yet. Rie seems to be running late. It must be my eternal rival Kakashi's doing" he said halfheartedly not really believing it himself, but not wanting the genin to worry more than they already were.

"Well actually unlike her father Rie is very prompt" the Hokage said while exchanging a worried look with Iruka. "Let's go see if we can find them. Iruka can you give out the next couple missions until I return?"

The Hatake house

The Hokage entered the house leaving both teams outside. He chuckled slightly at the sight. Kakashi was completely zonked on the couch with Rie laying across his chest also dead to the world. There were empty coffee cups turned over on the floor. Neji entered beside him pausing at the sight "I don't mean to impose Lord Hokage, but I think we should let them sleep."

"Do you know something Neji" Guy asked coming up beside his student. Lee, TenTen, and team Kakashi waited obediently on the street like they were told. Those at the door could hear some sort of argument unfolding, but none felt the need to intervene unless it came to blows.

Neji looked back to make sure the others were out of ear shot. "Not in great detail, but I do know that Rie has barley slept for, by what I can tell, nearly a week. By the look of things the same can be said for Kakashi sensei."

"Neji why didn't you inform me of this earlier" Guy asked as he looked at his youngest student with a troubled expression that only the Hokage saw.

The Hokage sighed "you are right Neji it probably is best to let them sleep." He shook his head "I wish they would tell me when something is wrong. I'll talk to them later, but for now it is probably best kept between us."

"Yes sir" both Neji and Guy responded.

As Neji started back outside Guy placed a hand on the Hokage's shoulder to stop him from following. "Lord Hokage" Guy said uncharacteristically quiet. The Hokage raised an eyebrow in acknowledgment, waiting on the other man to continue. "Can I talk to you before you meet with them" Guy asked hesitantly.

"Is everything alright" the Hokage asked in concern.

"It's just … I just need to speak with you" Guy explained hesitantly. The Hokage nodded while giving the jonin a worried glance. The Hokage had only seen Guy act this way a few times and knew the man was deeply troubled about something.

They came outside to an anxious group of onlookers. "The Hatake's are dismissed from their duties today. Team Guy will complete their mission as planned and team 7 will train by themselves. Make sure and work hard I will have someone come check on you later."

"Are Rie and Kakashi sensei alright" asked a worried Naruto.

"They are perfectly fine, don't worry. Neji would you mind coming by my office later?"

…

Guy paused at the Hokage's door before knocking softly, half hoping he wouldn't answer. Guy gritted his teeth when he was told to enter. He walked slowly into the office still gritting his teeth and staring at the ground. "Guy are you going to tell me what's going on" the Hokage asked gently after a few minutes passed without Guy saying anything.

"Sorry Lord Hokage" Guy mumbled still looking at the floor.

"It's alright, but please go on. You haven't acted like this since that incident with Kakashi after the forth died" the Hokage paused a moment before his eyes widened in worry "you don't think Kakashi would be thinking of doing that again do you?"

"No, no Kakashi seems very content to me. I don't think we have to worry about Kakashi repeating his father's mistake anytime soon" Guy reassured.

"Then what's going on Guy" the Hokage questioned once again.

"I'm worried about the safety of one of my students" Guy said after a deep breath. "They are distant, obedient to the point of attempting things that they know they can't physically do even if I don't know that, they don't talk much, hate being touched, and most concerning I have seen them flinch on multiple occasions even though they were never in any danger."

"Guy are you suggesting that one of your students is being abused" the Hokage asked seriously.

"It's the conclusion I keep coming to" Guy answered with a sigh and sat heavily into a chair. "I didn't want to say anything, but I can't risk the safety of one of my students" he said resolutely.

"Guy you were right in coming to me. I will make sure that they are fine and no one is hurting them" the Hokage assured. "Wait Guy you never told me which one of your students we are talking about" he said in realization.

"I actually wanted to see your reaction before I said" Guy responded rubbing the back of his head embarrassed. The Hokage gave him a calculating look but stayed quiet. "I have been talking about Rie" he said softly.

Suddenly it all made since to the Hokage and he started chucking softly. "Lord Hokage this is no laughing matter" Guy shouted shocked.

"I'm sorry Guy" he said composing himself. "I was laughing in relief not because the situation is funny."

"What do you mean" Guy asked narrowing his eyes.

"I can assure you that no one is hurting Rie. Kakashi would kill anyone that tried" he answered smiling to himself.

"Lord Hokage I didn't come here lightly and I'm not making this up" Guy said offended. "I am positive something is wrong."

"Calm down Guy" the Hokage eased. "I know you didn't come here lightly, especially since this is concerning the daughter of your best friend and you are essentially accusing him. It's never discussed, but you should be able to figure out that Kakashi adopted Rie." Guy visibly relaxed "Kakashi spent most of his time after he passed his psychological test after the incident out of the village until he got Rie. Most people, even his friends, think that Kakashi had Rie in another country and brought her back here with him when the mission was over."

"How old was she when he got her" Guy asked slowly putting the pieces together.

"She was seven when he found her" he answered looking out the window remembering the day they entered the village; Rie barley hanging on to life and Kakashi only half conscious with chakra exhaustion.

"How did Kakashi end up with Rie" Guy asked with a hard edge to his voice and a stony expression on his face.

"By your tone of voice I am sure you have a guess" the Hokage answered sighing. "I am sure at some point either Rie or myself will be forced to tell you some things, but until then just carry on as you have and let me know if anything in particular happens that you think I should know about. I can assure you though that Kakashi takes excellent care of that little girl and no one is causing her harm."

"Thank you lord Hokage! I will do my best to train the young Hatake in the power of youth and I will let you know of anything of concern" Guy shouted while giving the Hokage his famous nice guy pose.

"Guy thank you" the Hokage said sincerely as Guy got to the door. "You just proved to me that I did make the right choice in putting Rie on your team." Guy shot him another blinding smile before exiting the office.

…

Kakashi and Rie jumped at the knock on the door. They exchanged a look before he went to answer it.

"Well hello Neji" he said surprised when he opened the door.

"Sir, the Hokage wants to see you and Rie" he said looking down as if embarrassed. Kakashi patted his daughters head in reassurance and started out the door. Neji turned to Rie with a smirk "when I told you to get some sleep, I meant at night." Rie shot him a nasty glare as the three walked to the tower.

When they got to the Hokage's office Neji waited outside as Rie and Kakashi reluctantly entered, both knew they were in trouble. "I'm glad you two decided to show up this time. Now would you like to tell me where you were this morning?"

Rie looked down and clutched Kakashi's hand. Kakashi answered "I'm sorry Lord Hokage." He hesitated before continuing "we fell asleep on the couch and didn't have an alarm down stairs."

"That's not like you Kakashi. There is something more going on here and I expect one of you to tell me" he said with only a slight edge to his voice.

Kakashi looked at Rie for the okay and she nodded. "You see sir, neither one of us have been able to sleep for quite a while now." At this point both of them were avoiding the Hokage's stare.

His voice softened "now there has to be a reason, do you have any idea what it is?"

"Actually sir we do … Rie's nightmares have been really bad" Kakashi said hesitantly as he tightened his grip on Rie's hand.

"Why didn't you tell me, I'm sure we could have come up with a solution." The seriousness in his voice returned as he continued "I am very disappointed in the both of you. It is reckless for a ninja to act this way."

He turned his attention to you and softened both his expression and voice "Rie, have you had anything to eat?" The small girl shook your head, still looking at the floor in shame. "Neji would you come in here" he called out. "If you could do one more thing for me? Take Rie and make sure she gets something to eat; I need to speak with her father."

…

Rie and Neji ended up at a roman stand. Neji noticed that Rie wasn't eating he turned to her. "Are you alright Rie" he asked with concern lacing his words.

"Kakashi is in trouble for trying to help me, how do you think I feel" she spat out. Neji stared at her with a slack jaw. "What" she finally asked in annoyance not realizing what had him so amazed.

"You can talk" he stammered.